A LEGAL challenge aimed at stopping Tees-based Able UK dismantling an ageing French aircraft carrier has been thrown out.

In June, the Health and Safety Executive granted Able UK an exemption under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 to allow them to import the Clemenceau and scrap it at its TERRC Hartlepool yard.

The Friends of Hartlepool subsequently applied to the Royal Courts of Justice for a judicial review into the decision. But yesterday, a judge considered there were insufficient grounds.

A spokeswoman for Public Interest Lawyers - the firm which represented Friends of Hartlepool - confirmed they failed to obtain leave and are now considering an appeal.

A spokeswoman from the Health and Safety Executive said: “We were confident that the procedures we had followed were correct and we are pleased that the outcome has confirmed this.”

Dismantling of the Clemenceau would take place alongside the other vessels already berthed at TERRC - including the four “ghost ships” from the American National Defence Reserve Fleet and three UK ships.

Jean Kennedy from the Friends of Hartlepool group previously said the town should not have to dispose of France’s “toxic waste”.

Able chairman and chief executive, Peter Stephenson said yesterday’s decision was “a victory for common sense and the local economy - and a defeat for scare-mongering and publicity seeking”.

“It is ironic that those who claim to care about the environment have targeted the American and French governments when in fact they have been the two nations prepared to commit themselves to supporting the dismantling of vessels to the highest possible safety and environmental standards,” he said.

He added they are now working towards having all the arrangements in place to allow the vessel to be moved to TERRC in November.